Massages help relax a person’s mind and body. If you are interested in becoming a great massage therapist, it is critical that you educate yourself on all aspects of massage therapy. This article is loaded with great tips that will be of great value to you.

Massage is great during pregnancy, but wait until after the first trimester. During the first trimester, your baby is in the earliest stages of development. Toxins released during a massage can harm the fetus or inhibit growth during this delicate period. Once you have reached 16 weeks, you should be all clear to enjoy a massage.

Pregnancy can be especially hard on your body over the course of nine months. Carrying the extra weight from the baby can lead to aches and pains in places that you never knew existed. Treating yourself to full body prenatal massages can be just the thing to get you feeling more like yourself again.

Keep in mind that everyone is different; therefore, no massage between two people should be identical. Thus, you should adjust your massage to suit the individual. When the recipient of a massage responds positively to something, that should be a sign to continue in that area or with the same kind of motion or pressure. Watch for passive feedback and solicit active feedback.

A popular back massage you can try out on someone is called a “Raking Massage”. With this technique, you spread your fingers apart and use your tips to give the massage. Begin in the shoulder area and work your way down the back using a raking motion. Then, you move your fingers down the spine without actually touching it. Move one hand down as the other hand moves up.

Bear hug techniques can help with shoulder tension. Just wrap your arms through your chest as you make an “x”. Rub each shoulder with the opposite hand. This is how a quick, self massage can be given whenever you need it in your day.

If you suffer from PMS each month with excessive water retention and cramping, there just might be some help for you. The power of massage has been shown to help reduce that unsightly water retention so that your pants will fit a little easier. It also can help relieve the pain that comes with cramps.

If you are massaging someone, try to get them to shave several days prior to their massage session. This can give you a smoother surface to work with. This lets you easily move around the body.

Your feet are a lot more sensitive than they look. You can find many nerve endings in this part of your body and massaging your feet could help you relieve the pain you experience in another part of your body. A foot massage is also a great way to relieve stress.

Immediately after a massage, ensure you get up very slowly. You’ve been lying down, completely relaxed, for a long time. If you rise too quickly, you might become light-headed, so proceed with caution following a massage.

A neck massage can be very relaxing. The neck is where a lot of your knots will reside. Fortunately this area is easy to massage effectively, and the results can be very rewarding. Utilize lotions and both of your hands when addressing the neck area, and work on getting the shoulders involved also.

Consider getting a massage in either just your underwear or naked. Skin to skin contact is important during any massage, and this can only be accomplished if you remove your clothes. You can always use a blanket to cover up if you are concerned about modesty or staying warm during the process.

If you feel as though your complexion is looking a little dull, or you are noticing little wrinkles forming in places around your face, you do not have to run to the plastic surgeon! Giving yourself a daily face massage will promote blood flow to your skin, brightening it up and making those wrinkles virtually disappear.

If you like gentle massages, request a Swedish massage. This type of massage uses long, gentle strokes. It has been described as the most relaxing type of massage available. This massage gently massages the superficial layers of muscle tissue resulting in relaxation and peace of mind. This type of massage is great for those who are new to massage therapy.

Before beginning your massage, discuss pressure with your massage therapist. Some people like massages that are very deep with a hard intensity. Others prefer a lighter touch or even Reiki style massages where touch is not necessary. If you let your therapist know what works for you, they can adjust the massage to meet your individual needs.

A mint scented massage cream is sometimes a nice alternative to oil. Mint soothes the skin, and the aroma is relaxing. Look for good quality products that feature a moisturizer.

Do you have a cold? You can relieve sinus pressure by massaging your face gently. Massage your forehead and temples and apply gentle pressure around your nose and eyes. Repeat this process throughout the day until the pressure is gone. This technique is useful to relieve headaches and stress too.

If your shoulders are bothering you, you should try hugging yourself and massaging the muscles you can reach while hugging yourself. This exercise will also help you stretch your entire back. You should try this technique if you have to sit on a chair during most of your work day.

As you know, a really good massage can lead to a deep sense of well-being and relaxation. It benefits many parts of your physical body, as well as your mental health. In order to provide great massages, use the advice in this piece liberally.